Wednesday, January 27, 2010

University challenge

This blog isn't about work and so it shouldn't be about other professional concerns of mine. Discretion and confidentiality are important. I've joined the General Assembly of the University of Manchester, where I studied for 3 years in the 1980s. So, I'm not reporting on today's meeting at the Whitworth Art Gallery, nor am I telling you what a hugely entertaining lecture Dr Brian Cox delivered afterwards.

What I will do however is pay a fleeting tribute to Professor Alan Gilbert. He is retiring as President and Vice Chancellor for health reasons. He has been a towering figure for the merged university. He has given the whole place a sense of focus and ambition to be a great seat of learning. There has been scant attention given to this important figure in public life, save for a rather mean spirited piece here.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

He's retiring for health reasons?! I didn't know that and I work at the university. Hmmm, either he doesn't want people to know that or the uni isn't doing a very good job of publicising it. Maybe I should read that UniLife mag more often. Do you know what's wrong with him?

Nice blog, by the way, I've been reading for a while.

Michael Taylor said...

Thanks Rob.

I don't think there is anything mysterious. He's had some surgery recently, needs some more and at 66 thinks he needs to take it easy.

He's a hugely impressive man. Seems to have given the place a real sense of direction and purpose.

He'll leave some big boots to fill.